The Now and Future of Orthopaedics

The Patients We Never Forget — Drs. Beaty, LaVelle & Calandruccio (Part 2)

Ask three surgeons with more than a century of combined experience which patient they'll never forget, and none of them reaches for the hardest case or the biggest save.

Dr. James Calandruccio remembers a two-year-old who went under a riding lawnmower and lost an arm above the elbow. He put it back on. What he thinks about now is the pencil marks on a door jamb, made every time that boy came back, and what the boy asked him the last time he walked out of the room.

He also remembers a man who caught his arm in a printing press, told him to call a colleague if he couldn't fix it, and then challenged him to a round of golf a couple of years later. Dr. Calandruccio had to decline, for a reason that will make sense when you hear it.

Dr. James Beaty remembers a day that started at 7:30 in the morning and ended at one the next, separating conjoined twins at Le Bonheur with every surgical service in the room.

In part two of this conversation, these three also look forward: the robots and technology reshaping orthopaedics, why the thing dismissed as heresy today becomes the standard of care tomorrow, and what they hope a Campbell Clinic surgeon a hundred years from now still knows about the people who came before.

This is part two of a two-part conversation. Start with part one, where they go back to Dr. Willis Campbell himself and the old guard who trained them.

Part 1 of 2. Dr. James Beaty, Dr. David LaVelle, and Dr. James Calandruccio have more than 100 combined years at Campbell Clinic. Beaty first walked through the doors in 1975. LaVelle started his residency in 1982 and spent forty years here. Calandruccio first came in 1954 as a child, when his father Rocco joined the staff.

This episode isn't about a single procedure or new technology. It's about getting the stories down before they're lost: the old guard who trained them, what the clinic was like when it was one building downtown, and the stories about Dr. Willis Campbell himself that have been handed down for generations. Along the way, they talk about what's changed in fifty years of orthopaedics, what hasn't, and why they still call it a calling.

Episode recap

00:00 Cold open: "That's where I was standing when they handed me the knife"
00:40 Introduction
02:45 How each of them found orthopaedics and Campbell Clinic
05:00 Out of the match, and a residency offer over the Christmas holidays
07:00 From 13 physicians in a 1919 downtown building to more than 50 across the Mid-South
11:03 Why 500 to 800 applicants compete for residency spots
14:01 Dr. Calandruccio: from 1954 as a child to joining the staff in 1991
15:07 The old guard: Rocco Calandruccio, Lee Milford, Marcus Stewart, Hugh Smith, Al Ingram, and more
22:48 From command and control to physician independence
23:42 What their generation inherited: mentors, subspecialization, and a technology boom
27:26 What's stood the test of time: joint replacement, arthroscopy, and femoral nailing
28:49 What would surprise today's residents, and a hand reattached 30 years earlier
31:29 Referring freely and scrubbing in with partners
33:06 The pillars that haven't changed since Dr. Campbell
35:13 Giving back to organized orthopaedics
41:03 Medicine as a calling, and the families who made it possible
50:13 The Campbell Clinic family
51:15 Stories: August 16, 1977, in the Baptist emergency room
53:27 $75 a month and Sunday lunches at 869 Madison
55:33 Dr. Willis Campbell: the stories passed down
1:02:00 The textbook that went to war
1:03:15 How the Crippled Children's Hospital began
1:04:26 The Wilderness Hand Journal Club

When a patient needs knee surgery, total replacement is often the default. But for many people, a partial knee replacement can lead to similar or better outcomes with less recovery time. In this episode, Dr. Zach Mosher explains the difference between total and partial knee replacement and shares his philosophy for choosing the right option for each patient. He discusses the importance of goal-oriented care and shares advice for patients dealing with knee pain.

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Dr. Zach Mosher is sharing his philosophy on partial knee replacements (1:13)
• Why did you choose to pursue orthopaedics? (2:17)
• How did your fellowship broaden your perspective? (5:18)
• Why do so many people start with a total knee replacement? (6:21)
• Can you tell us about the history of partial knee replacements? (8:00)
• How do you decide if total or partial knee replacement is the right step? (9:38)
• How do partial and total knee replacement recovery times differ? (12:35)
• What does the data tell us about total versus partial replacements? (15:50)
• Why is goal-oriented care important to you? (16:50)
• What is bikini hip surgery? (20:58)
• What should people know about revisions? (22:18)
• How has joint replacement changed in the last 20 years? (23:50)
• What are you most excited about today? (26:06)
• What would you say to someone dealing with knee pain right now? (29:28)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

“Tommy John” is one of the most-talked-about surgeries in sports, but that means there are also many myths and misunderstandings associated with the treatment. In this episode, Dr. Austin Hardaway breaks down the most important information parents and young athletes need to know about UCL injuries, including what causes them, how to treat them, and steps you can take today to prevent them. He also explains the difference between UCL repair and UCL reconstruction and dispels a popular myth about preventative surgery.

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Dr. Austin Hardaway breaks down the most important things you need to know about UCL injuries (1:22)
• Can you tell us about your experience training under Dr. James Andrews? (2:23)
• How do you respond to the growing pressure athletes face? (4:42)
• What is the UCL, and why is it so important? (5:35)
• What is Tommy John Surgery, and where does that name come from? (6:19)
• Can you talk about the different treatment routes for a UCL injury? (7:48) 
• What’s the difference between repair and reconstruction? (10:48)
• What does the post-surgery recovery process look like? (14:20)
• What’s one thing you wish parents of patients knew about Tommy John Surgery? (15:46)
• How can players prevent UCL injuries? (16:45)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

The innovations we see in orthopaedic treatment today are the result of years of rigorous research. In this episode, Campbell Clinic Foundation Senior Research Manager Margaret Knack joins the podcast to explain how that process happens. She describes the tangible advancements she’s seen in treatment over the past 20 years and explains how the studies she’s working on today might help shape the future of orthopaedics. She also discusses some exciting new innovations in biologics and non-traditional treatments, shares her perspective on how GLP-1s impact orthopaedics, and more.

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Margaret Knack shares a behind-the-scenes look at the research that shapes orthopaedic care (1:21)
• How did you transition from nursing to research? (2:37)
• What makes Campbell Clinic’s research unique? (6:26)
• Can you share an example of how research changes treatment? (9:11)
• Just how much research is the foundation involved in? (14:27)
• What has changed because of research in the last 20 years? (17:38)
• What are some of your favorite studies you’ve participated in? (21:42)
• How does collaboration play a key role in the foundation’s work? (24:48)
• Can you tell us about your award-winning elbow study? (27:01)
• Why do biologics and other non-traditional treatments excite you the most right now? (28:56)
• What is your dream study? (33:06)
• What would you say to a young nurse or researcher today? (37:02)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Campbell Clinic Foundation 

Jenny Turner Koltnow’s episode on the Campbell Clinic Foundation

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

Dr. Chad Campion wants as many patients as possible to have access to minimally invasive spinal surgery. As one of very few high-volume endoscopic spine surgeons in the country, he’s passionate about both treating his patients well and training other surgeons in endoscopic procedures. In this episode, Dr. Campion returns to the podcast to define some key terms patients should know when exploring their options for spinal surgery. He also explains why fusions aren’t always the best option and discusses the benefits of endoscopic procedures. 

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Dr. Chad Campion will discuss the future of spine surgery (1:12)
• What do patients need to know about the options available for spine surgery? (2:18)
• What does minimally invasive actually mean? (3:40)
• How are robotics used in spine surgery? (10:36)
• What is endoscopic surgery, and why is it such a good option for many patients? (13:26)
• How do you do things differently as an endoscopic spine surgeon? (15:59)
• What are the main options for neck surgery? (22:56)
• How are you training the next generation in endoscopic surgery? (28:14)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Campbell Clinic Foundation 

Dr. Campion’s first podcast episode

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

Campbell Clinic’s impact extends far beyond the Memphis community, and much of that global outreach, education, and research is the result of the Campbell Clinic Foundation. In this episode, Campbell Clinic Foundation Executive Director Jenny Turner Koltnow MBA, MEd joins the podcast to discuss the foundation’s work. She explains how they’re continuing to build on Dr. Campbell’s legacy today, from the residency program to the Campbell Clinic Textbook, to research, and much, much more. She also shares how you can get involved in the foundation’s life saving work.

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Jenny Turner Koltnow will discuss Campbell Clinic’s global impact (1:40)
• What is the Campbell Clinic Foundation, and why is it so essential to the broader organization? (2:55)
• What was Dr. Campbell’s vision for impact outside the walls of the clinic? (6:31) 
• Can you share an example of Campbell Clinic’s outreach efforts? (12:16)
• Are there any other organizations doing work at a similar scale? (17:28)
• How does the Campbell Clinic Foundation help train residents? (22:08)
• How do you help keep the team aligned around core values? (25:59)
• What role does the foundation play in orthopaedic research? (27:55)
• What are you most excited about for the future of the foundation? (35:19)
• How can people get involved with the foundation’s work? (38:48)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Campbell Clinic Foundation 

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

There’s more to recovery than just surgery, and at Campbell Clinic, patients have the benefit of working with experienced physical therapists who are committed to using all the best technologies at their disposal. In this episode, Carie McPhail joins the podcast to discuss her 13-year physical therapy career at Campbell Clinic and break down some of the latest technological innovations, from shockwave to wearables and more. Carie also explains how getting to know her patients personally helps her deliver better care, and she discusses Campbell Clinic’s unique approach to education and innovation. 

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Carie McPhail will discuss the integration of new technologies into physical therapy (1:19)
• How does physical therapy connect to orthopaedics? (2:20)
• Can you share some examples of how physical therapy helps patients after surgery? (5:08)
• How do strong patient relationships help create better outcomes? (7:19)
• How does physical therapy differ in the U.S., and how has it evolved? (8:32)
• Why are dry needling and wearables so useful in physical therapy? (10:55)
• What sets Campbell Clinic’s physical therapists apart? (14:22)
• How is Campbell Clinic using shockwave therapy? (16:21)
• What keeps you at Campbell Clinic after 13 years? (20:24)
• How will residency programs play a bigger role in physical therapy in the future? (23:33)
• What are you most passionate about? (25:10)
• How does the open line of communication between surgeons and therapists help patients? (27:05)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Campbell Clinic Foundation 

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

The stakes for student athletics are higher than ever before, with athletes getting recruited at a young age and even receiving NIL money while in high school. In this environment, it’s more important than ever to ensure every student has access to high quality athletic training. In this episode, Thaddeus Avery joins the podcast to discuss the work Campbell Clinic is doing to partner with schools across Memphis and care for student athletes. Thaddeus is Campbell Clinic’s Director of Athletic Training and the Vice President of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.

Episode Recap:

• In this episode, Thaddeus Avery is talking about the evolution of athletic training for students (1:12)
• What’s changed with the high school sports landscape? (2:02)
• How does Campbell Clinic partner with schools, and how does it benefit students? (6:24)
• Can you share a story of a student athlete you’ve helped? (11:02)
• How do you define athletic training? (17:05)
• What is challenging about the field of athletic training? (18:10)
• Can you tell us about your work with the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society (22:38)
• How can immediate access to care save students’ lives? (27:20)
• What are you most passionate about, and what keeps you engaged with this work? (32:09)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

We’ve come a very long way in the area of patient safety over the past 20 years. In this episode, Dr. David Richardson returns to the podcast to explain how he prioritizes patient safety during every procedure and interaction — from risk assessment, to pre-op checklists, to the surgery itself. He also talks about some of the big picture changes he’s seen in patient safety throughout his career, and he explains why he’s so excited by the potential of AI and other new technologies.

Episode Recap:

• Today Dr. David Richardson is returning to the podcast to talk about patient safety (1:22)
• Why is patient safety so important to talk about right now? (3:01)
• How does Campbell Clinic prioritize patient safety? (5:12)
• What has changed in the last two decades? (8:02)
• Can you walk us through your safety checklist for each procedure? (14:43)
• How do pressure and responsibility drive you? (21:29)
• What does risk assessment look like in orthopaedics? (22:46)
• How do you respond when complications happen? (25:53)
• What keeps you engaged in this work? (29:23)
• How is AI transforming patient safety? (34:29)

Links and Resources:

Campbell Clinic

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics Textbook

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram